Shiraz
Shiraz => is capital of Fars Province, Iran. It was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty, from 1747-79. Shiraz is also the birthplace of the great poets Hafiz and Saadi.
Get in
The international airport has flights to all big cities in Iran, and some smaller ones. From the bus terminal there are frequent departures to most corners of Iran.
Get around
Unless you speak Farsi taxis are probably the best way to get around. Many of the attractions are in the city center, and can be reached on foot. A metro is currently under construction.
See
- The Arg-é Karim Khani is the old citadel of Karim Khan.
- Bagh-é Eram is a beautiful garden just north of the Khoshk River.
- Afif Abad Gardens, founded in 1863.
- Quran Gate is at the northern entrance to the city.
Do
From the Quran Gate you can walk up the small mountain on the east side for a nice view of the whole city.
Buy
If you want to do some shopping in Shiraz the old bazaar is a good place to get lost for a few hours. Everything from wrenches and cutlery to spices and fine carpets.
Eat
Like elsewhere in Iran it's difficult getting around the mighty ol' kebab with rice.
Sleep
Budget
Going about 200 m south from the roundabout at Arg-é Karim Khani there are some budget hotels.
Mid-range
- Shiraz Eram Hotel has friendly staff and nice rooms at $40 for foreigners. It's centrally located on Karim Khan-é Zand (Avenue), a five minute walk from Arg-é Karim Khani (Citadel of Karim Khan).
Splurge
The Homa Hotel (Meshkinfam St.) is housed in what used to be the Intercontinental.
Get out
Persepolis, with a bunch of ancient ruins, is near Shiraz.